Week 5, Run 2

[LouiseKK]

I have completed the run twice, but really do not think I am ready for the next run (20mins). Ran at 8km and walked 4km. Is this speed ok? Should i keep doing run 2 for a while?

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

Have you got any specific worries about doing the run? If you’ve completely run 2, you’re ready for run 3. Actually, you’re more ready because you’ve done it twice!

Lots of people find week 5 run 3 intimidating mentally but you’re physically ready for it. There’s a helpful breakdown here showing it’s an actually week 4 that’s the bigger step up.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

How are you feeling as you run? The pace numbers don’t matter at all-it’s whether you can speak out loud in full sentences. It’s always ok to slow down if you need to. There’s a useful guide to the programme here with lots of hints and tips and advice about pace.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

What about just giving it a go? You’ve got nothing to lose by trying it and you will probably surprise yourself. The danger with putting it off it that it becomes a bigger deal than just another programme run in the schedule that all you need to do is start and have a try. Really good luck to you.

[Penwithpink Graduate]

When I first attempted c25k I completely bailed out at at 5/3 and didn’t even try! You are ready but it’s much more mental than physical don’t let the demons win x just break it down into 4 x little teeny tiny 5 mins, have some good music as well as your coach with you ( and all of us urging you on) and when you hit that high at the end you will wonder what you were worried about x you can do it ! Go Run xx

[John_W Graduate]

Why don't you think you're ready for W5R3 ?

[Madwife60 Graduate]

Well what have got to lose? I’ve just had a knee injury (not running related) and to get back did weeks 4, 5 and 6 in all sorts of combos until I got fit again. There are no rules and you can only do what you can. You’ll never know until you give it a go and if it takes a couple of weeks who cares! Maybe vary your route which will give you a slightly different perspective. Good luck

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Hi Louise, I mean you can just repeat run 2 (did you find it particularly difficult?)And if it makes you feel better prepared then there's no reason why not. So long as you then tackle run 3. The best advice I can give is to start run 3 at a slower pace than normal, then you'll know you've allowed for not getting the walking "breaks". (I think the effect is more psychological than anything else, but it works for me!)

Don't worry about timing and stats, just what feels manageable for your body right now - and good luck!